Oakville, November 5, 2019 – For Immediate Release
We take any concerns associated with our drinking water and public safety very
seriously. As Halton Region is responsible for water purification, I will be bringing
forward a resolution at our next Halton Regional Council meeting to encourage
residents to replace any private lead water pipes with safe pipes because Halton
Region has already replaced all public pipes that were manufactured with lead.
I will also be writing to the provincial Minister of Education about water safety standards
in our schools.
I appreciate the enterprising journalism, led by Robert Cribb, highlighting that remaining
lead in water comes from residences and schools that have not yet replaced lead-based
pipes.
Halton Region staff investigated and confirmed that:
“The school referenced in the article is White Oaks Secondary School in Oakville. The
flushed and standing water samples were taken in August 2018. Before the school
opened, resamples were taken. The results indicated that the flushed water was within
the acceptable limits for lead. In September 2018, parents and guardians were informed
and the results were available online. School boards have the responsibility to conduct
regular lead testing, pipe flushing, pipe replacements and notifications as legislated
through the Safe Drinking Water Act, 2002.
Halton Region is committed to providing safe, high quality drinking water to our
residents. The risk of lead in Halton Region’s public drinking water system is very low.
We conduct regular sampling of our public infrastructure and results continue to show
levels that meet the Ontario Drinking Water Standard, 2002. We educate and
encourage private homeowners to test their plumbing for the presence of lead through
our Lead Sampling program.
Halton Region has replaced all known lead service connections on the public side.
Levels of lead in Halton continue to be within the guidelines set by the Ontario Ministry
of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP).”
Additional information is available at: https://www.halton.ca/For-Residents/Water-andEnvironment/Water-Quality-Protection/Lead-in-Drinking-Water-Service-Lines
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For more information, please contact:
Christine Davis
Community Engagement and Communications Coordinator, Office of the Mayor and Council
905-845-6601, ext. 3788
Christine.Davis@oakville.ca